About us

Research, planning and teaching at the Institute of Spatial Planning (TU Wien) consider space in its manifold physical, relational, geografic, economic, cultural and social dimensions. Interdisciplinarity, cooperation, practical planning and decision making based on sound theoretical research, and the accumulation of planning knowledge, including the involvement of stakeholders - these are all essential characteristics of the Institute of Spatial Planing. These aspirations materialize in the disciplinary approaches that constitute research and teaching at the Institute: Besides "classical" realms of planning such as local and regional planning and development, disciplines include spatial and technology-related fields in law and legal studies, social sciences, economics, transportation and mobility planning, computer sciences, and cultural studies.

Objectives and principles

In cooperation with other university institutions, public administrations and the private sector, the Institute has set itself the goal of developing competence centres in specific research topics relevant to planning, which are to become visible and gain importance beyond Austria.

The following principles contribute to this goal:

• Stronger public positioning and better visualisation of spatial planning as a cross-sectional matter by the Institute
• Strengthening the recognised status of the research areas in teaching and research and as partners of public and private clients
• Cooperation and division of labour between the research areas in research, teaching and administration
• Innovation and increased efficiency through close cooperation between the research areas within the institute
• Support and relief of the research areas by setting up joint service units